Grooved stiffened beam

ABSTRACT

We introduce a new grooved stiffened beam that efficiently withstands dead loads, whose mechanical characteristics are higher than those of present structural beams, that can be used both for building roof trusses as well as for huge architectonical vaults. Summarizing the different parts that form this beam, we can state that it is formed by a core, skids or sides placed both on the top and on the bottom, and edges at the ends of the piece; these skids consist of a flat surface divided into three parts or sections: the first flat surface section, joined to one of the ends of the core by means of a ply at a ninety degree angle in relation to the core, and on the other end with a ply to the flat surface intermediate section, displaced from the central axis of the skids that conforms the stiffened section, and which is followed by a third flat surface section similar to the first, at the same plane as the first section, ending with a second ply to the lower skid at a ninety degree angle in relation to the skids; and because this flat surface core is divided into three sections: the first flat surface section is joined at its top end to the top skid at a ninety degree angle and it is followed by a flat surface intermediate section, displaced from the axis of the core which constitutes the stiffened section, joined by means of plies, it is followed by a third section similar to the first flat surface section at the same plane with the first section, ending with a second ply that joins it to the lower skid at a ninety degree angle in relation to the core. Thus, the scope of the invention lies within the universe of structural beams used to build trusses.

RELATED U.S. APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

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REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX

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FIELD OF THE INVENTION

We introduce a new grooved stiffened beam that efficiently withstands dead loads, whose mechanical characteristics are higher than those of the present structural beams and that can be used both for building roof trusses as well as for huge architectonical vaults.

Its maximum work stress outstandingly rivals that of conventional beams due to the stiffeners it has. Likewise, its weight per lineal meter is lighter than that of conventional beams; therefore, this invention represents a versatile beam for building roof trusses and huge architectonical vaults.

Thus, the scope of the invention lies within the universe of structural beams used for building roof trusses.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In Mexico, as in other countries, roofs are built on buildings that have intermediate supports and whose outside walls or columns are more than 10 m (40 ft) apart, therefore, due to economy, a structural system different from simply leaned beams is used. The structural configuration used to achieve this is called roof truss; this consists of elements that are generally leaned only at the ends, and that is formed by a series of straight members that are arranged and connected one to the other, so that the stress transmitted from one member to the other is equal or is distributed uniformly. Considering that the triangle is the only polygon whose shape cannot be geometrically modified without changing the length of one or more of its sides, the reinforcement is essentially formed by a system of triangles.

When building roof trusses, it is common to connect angles using a connection plate and rivets, screws and nuts or soldering, forming rigid connections. Stability of such truss does not depend on the rigidity of its joints.

As it is well known, steel structures have greatly replaced wood structures, mainly because longer clearances can be achieved with steel.

The steel structural trusses that are more frequently used for constructing buildings are WF beams; standard I beams, C-sections, angles and plates.

Because of the above, and after numerous research works, we began developing a beam considering all the technical and mechanical characteristics of the conventional beams mentioned above, and the one that is being proposed was finally developed. Such is characterized by the fact that it is stiffened, providing more rigidity which is reflected in an element that endures loads better, and therefore, for the same stress that a conventional beam must endure, the use of the proposed beam, which endures more stress, allows for the reduction of the weight of the beam and, therefore, longer spans can be achieved.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

We introduce a new grooved stiffened beam that efficiently withstands dead loads, whose mechanical characteristics are higher than those of present structural beams, that can be used both for building roof trusses as well as for huge architectonical vaults.

Summarizing the different parts that form this beam, we can state that it is formed by a core, skids or sides placed both on the top and on the bottom, and edges at the ends of the piece; these skids consist of a flat surface divided into three parts or sections: the first flat surface section, joined to one of the ends of the core by means of a ply at a ninety degree angle in relation to the core, and on the other end with a ply to the flat surface intermediate section, displaced from the central axis of the skids that conforms the stiffened section, and which is followed by a third flat surface section similar to the first, at the same plane as the first section, ending with a second ply to the lower skid at a ninety degree angle in relation to the skids; and because this flat surface core is divided into three sections: the first flat surface section is joined at its top end to the top skid at a ninety degree angle and it is followed by a flat surface intermediate section, displaced from the axis of the core which constitutes the stiffened section, joined by means of plies, it is followed by a third section similar to the first flat surface section at the same plane with the first section, ending with a second ply that joins it to the lower skid at a ninety degree angle in relation to the core.

Thus, the scope of the invention lies within the universe of structural beams used to build trusses.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1: Cross-sectional drawing of the stiffened beam

FIG. 2: Perspective view of the stiffened beam

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Regarding the above mentioned drawings, the stiffened beam of this invention is formed by a machined piece (10) with a C shape that essentially consists of a core (20), skids (12), placed both at the top and at the bottom and edges (30), placed at the ends of the machined piece (10).

These skids (12) or sides consist of a flat surface divided into three parts or sections: the first section (14), a flat surface is joined on one of its ends to the core (20) by means of a ply (22) at a ninety degree angle in relation to the core (20) and, on the other end, with a ply (24) to a flat surface intermediate section (16), displaced from the central axis of the skids (12) that conforms the stiffened section and, that is followed by a second ply (26) to a third flat surface section (18), at the same plane as the first section (14) followed by a ply (28) with one of the edges (30), so that the latter are at a ninety degree angle in relation to the skids (12). The axis of the section (16) is displaced from the axes of the first section (14) and of the third section (18) due to the plies, so that the intermediate section (16) will be parallel to such sections.

On the other hand, the core (20) also a flat surface, is divided into three sections: the first section (32), a flat surface joined in its upper edge to the ply (22) of the upper skid (12) at a ninety degree angle, continues with a flat surface intermediate section (34), displaced from the axis of the core (20) which conforms the stiffened section, joined by means of plies (38), such is followed by a third section similar to the first flat surface section (36), at the same plane with the first section (32), this ends with a second ply (22) to the lower skid (12) at a ninety degree angle in relation to the core (20).

Finally, the edges (30) of the machined piece (10) consist of a short flat surface at a ninety degree angle in relation to the skids, these act both as edge and as support and union for a similar beam placed opposite to the first, thus doubling the endurance of the beam.

BEST WAY TO MANUFACTURE THE INVENTION

In order to manufacture the described beam a rolling machine will be used. The process will require several steps to obtain the required plies until the beam gets its complete design. The material that is used must have the adequate quality and thickness so that it takes, without cracking or breaking down, the necessary operations to be plied in each of the different steps it must undergo.

Using a rolling machine instead of a plying press, one can guarantee that the finished product will have the required form and measurements in each of the different sizes that will be manufactured. The use of this kind of machine also provides the opportunity of manufacturing pre-fabricated pieces of the sizes required by the customers. 

1. Grooved stiffened beam comprising: a machined C shaped beam, formed of a core, skids or sides placed both at a top and at a bottom and formed of edges at ends thereof, wherein said skids have a flat surface divided into three parts or sections a first flat surface section, joined to one end of the core by a ply at a ninety degree angle in relation to the core and to another end of the core with a ply to a flat surface intermediate section, displaced from a central axis of said skids conformable to a stiffened section joined by a second ply to a third flat surface section, at a same plane as the first section, ending with a second ply to the one of the edges at a ninety degree angle in relation to the skids wherein a flat surface core is divided into three sections, a first flat surface section joined at a top end thereof to a top skid at a ninety degree angle followed by a flat surface intermediate section, displaced from an axis of the core forming a stiffened section, joined by plies, and followed by a third section similar to the first flat surface section at the same plane with the first section, ending with a second ply joined to the lower skid at a ninety degree angle in relation to the core:
 2. Grooved stiffened beam, according to claim 1, wherein axes of the first and the third sections of the core in relation to the intermediate section, are displaced from the axes due to the plies, so that such section is parallel to the axis of the first and of the third section, and wherein the axes of the first and the third section of the skids, in relation to the intermediate section, are displaced by plies so that the last section is parallel in relation to the axes of the first and third sections.
 3. Grooved stiffened beam, according to claim 1, wherein edges of the machined piece double resistance thereof when beams are placed opposite to each other. 